Here at Good Housekeeping, we’re always wanting to keep our readers informed with all the latest fashion knowledge. Recently, sustainability has become the buzzword of the moment. Rediscovering old dresses we already own, fashion rentals and investing in second-hand pieces are all great ways to practise sustainable fashion, save on wardrobe space and experience designer brands at a fraction of the cost of buying an item. Fancy giving it a go? The GH fashion team is here to dispel all myths, so you feel informed and confident to rent or invest in second-hand for your next event this summer.
Why rent fashion?
While the idea behind clothes rental services is to offer a more sustainable way to shop (we’re all painfully aware of the impact clothing manufacturing is having on our planet), they also serve as a means of accessing designer fashion for a fraction of the retail price. Milestone birthday, awards ceremony, black-tie ball, graduation ceremony, mother of the bride or groom… we all have those one-off occasions when the dress code requires standout, swanky attire, and rather than always splurging on something new, then only wearing it once or twice, rental services offer a brilliant, great-value alternative.
Have you considered renting your wedding dress?
Renting isn’t just for guests, either, with an increasing amount of brides renting wedding dresses instead of purchasing their own. Benefits include a chic yet cost-effective way of walking down the aisle in a dress that won’t be worn just once, before gathering dust in the wardrobe.
Always wanted to wear designer for the big day but didn’t think you’d be able to afford it? Rental sites including By Rotation offer luxury designers such as Ines Di Santo, Danielle Frankel and Vivienne Westwood for a fraction of the cost.
Second-hand Spotlight: Sign of the Times
Our new favourite store for pre-loved gems is Sign of the Times – a great boutique for vintage designer items, with more than 130 five-star reviews. With over 45 years’ experience and a physical store in London, authentication is taken seriously, so you know you’re in great hands. From Bottega Veneta handbags and Miu Miu pumps to Zimmermann dresses, and with an average of more than 50% off the RRP, you can indulge your designer desires without breaking the bank, all the while helping contribute to the cyclical fashion sphere and reducing consumption.
Other sites such as Vestiaire Collective, Vinted and the ever faithful eBay have dedicated authentication services and a wide range of second-hand clothing for all your spring events, from weddings to Wimbledon.
How to rent clothes – top tips
• Where to start? Choose a site, then filter by the type of item or occasion, then by size, peruse the clothes, select your date and book! The company will then post the item out to you, you wear it and then post it back when you're done. Simple!
• Most sites have a 24-hour return policy for items that don’t fit. Exchanges or credit are offered by most rental sites, but it’s worth checking individual policies before you commit.
• You can book up to three months in advance and as little as 48hrs before borrowing. Ideally have a garment delivered a day or two before an occasion to give yourself plenty of time to try it on and avoid any last-minute stress.
• Fashion Assistant Corin Ripley is a fashion rental frequenter. Her top tip is "Always go for the added insurance fee. Costing around £6, it is well worth the peace of mind. You can enjoy your day without fretting about any accidental drink spills or damage".
• Dry cleaning fees are often covered in the cost of hiring, but not always, so do check.
• If you are unsure on sizing for designer clothing, go up one dress size as designer clothes tend to be cut on the smaller side.
• You need to return items on time or risk a fine. Most sites charge late fees, typically £25 a day. Use a tracked delivery service and keep proof of postage when you send back.
• Sometimes rival sites have identical pieces at different prices, so it's worth checking more than one rental platform before booking.
Last but not least. A bit like buying flights, the total can add up once you factor in the extras, such as a minimum hire period, dry-cleaning and delivery costs, so go through to the checkout stage to really understand the true cost.
Top fashion rental sites
Hurr
RRP £1900, rent from £94.53
This website allows you to rent a range of designer pieces directly from its members (peer-to-peer rentals), as well as from its own managed stock which are housed at Hurr HQ. Home to cult brands like The Vampire’s Wife, Rixo and Ganni, Hurr is definitely one of the chicest platforms out there. Also worth noting, if you are tight for time or worried about fit, Hurr have a permanent pop-up outlet in Selfridges, so you can try on as many pieces as you like and take them away with you on the day.
Selfridges
Selfridges is one of the leading luxury department stores and they are now taking up space within the rental market. Available from 4 to 30 days They have a wide array of designers for established luxury brands to emerging luxury labels. Indulge in your SATC rental dream with a Chanel bag or Self-Portrait dress.
LK Borrowed
If you think you may become a frequent renter, consider LK Bennett’s subscription rental service. For £79 a month, you can rent up to two items at once, with unlimited swaps throughout the month creating a rotating wardrobe. Dry cleaning and postage is included within the subscription and there’s also the option to buy your rental pieces at up to 50% off the retail price.
By Rotation
RRP £2500, rent from £80.
This site is all about the community of over 500,000 fashion fans, including some celebrities who lend from their own collections, featuring highly sought-after brands including The Vampire’s Wife and Self-Portrait, making designer clothes accessible to all women.
John Lewis
New to the rental market, impress for less with John Lewis’s rental platform. With prices starting from £20, you can experiment with fashion, without it having to cost the earth. Rent your pieces for 4, 8, 10, or 20 days (perfect for packing in your summer holiday suitcase).
My Wardrobe HQ
RRP £500, rent for £11 a day, minimum of 4 days
This is your go-to for luxury fashion rentals, with over 500 A-list worthy labels including Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent. If there’s anything that really catches your eye, you might even be able to purchase it – making it a resale site, as well as a rental one. If you live near London, MWHQ has a dedicated retail space within Harrods allowing you to try before you buy.
